#684 6 - 12 December 2013 20 pages Rs 50

CLIMATE FOR CHANGE Climate climax BY DAVID MOLDEN PAGE 16-17 lobal warming is causing snowfields. Large lakes have Himalayan catastrophe may HIMALAYAN MYTH BUSTER Gthe Himalaya to melt at appeared where there were tune people out. an accelerated rate. Receding once glaciers and they are Kathmandu-based BY KUNDA DIXIT PAGE 10-11 glaciers and snowlines are the getting bigger, threatening ICIMOD is organising a five most dramatic visible proof downstream communities. month exhibition called of climate change and they Even so, scientists warn Climate+Change starting on 11 CLIMACTIC CHANGE are happening before our eyes against doomsday scenarios by December, the International Day BY BHRIKUTI RAI PAGE 15 within a generation. Many sensationalist media or cash- of Mountains. Himalayan glaciers have turned hungry development agencies into lakes and there are melt that exaggerate the dangers. nepalitimes.com THE HIMALAYAN THAW pools where there were once Crying wolf too often about a Special Nepali Times Multimedia Package PAGE 16-17

GEORGE MALLORY/ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY

MELTDOWN: The main Rongbuk glacier near Mount Everest in 1921 (above) and again in 2007.

DAVID BREASHEARS/GLACIERWORKS 2 EDITORIAL 6 - 12 DECEMBER 2013 #684 THE TWO DECADE DETOUR

uch of the talk in the post-election analysis is It worked then, and Nepal was posting six to seven focused on the political arithmetic of the next Nepali voters don’t want per cent annual economic growth in the first half of the MConstituent Assembly, or the bargaining that politics as usual, in fact they 1990s. Multinationals were setting up shop, investors has started on the formation of the new cabinet. There is were queuing up to start hydropower projects, and the nothing unusual about this, every mature parliamentary don’t want politics. They foundations were being laid for rural development democracy goes through this exercise. want the economy to grow. through grassroots democracy. Excessive politicking Elsewhere, there are rules of the game that everyone between the NC and UML, intense factionalism within follows. Here, the losing party blackmails everyone else the NC, and the Maoist conflict demolished all that. by threatening to boycott the legislature if it isn’t given After this ruinous 20-year detour, the NC is now more say in government decision-making. Worse, a ideally placed to go back to where it had started with a faction of the same party that actively tried to sabotage blueprint for economic growth. It needs to replicate some the polls with terrorism wants nominated seats offered of the forward-looking policies from that era and learn to on a platter. avoid the political pitfalls of the past. ‘Status quo’ is not And as an added distraction, the power-sharing necessarily a bad word as long as lessons are learnt to fix negotiation has dragged in the office of the president. In the kinks on what was working reasonably well. order to improve their bargaining positions, the UCPN Let’s face it, there is no other way forward but to (M) and RPP-N are in unlikely agreement with the UML start fixing the economy. Pretty soon, as urban youth to change the president. This has pitted them against the discontentment boils over again, it won’t matter who Nepali Congress which is against such a move now. wins elections and gets to power any more. All the parties Pushing the presidentship into this debate has an must look at employment generation and infrastructure unfortunately familiar ring to it: the tendency of our as a common minimum platform, and not let politics get politicians to get distracted with side issues so they don’t in the way. have to take the bull by the horns. While they go through We know what the problems are with the economy, the tortuous negotiations for the formation of the new and by and large we know what needs to be done. Jobs legislative and executive, what gets left by the wayside are needed at home to stop the haemorrhage of young once more is the urgent need to spur economic growth Nepalis to India, the Gulf, and Southeast Asia. The and local development. energy crisis (both the shortage of electricity and the Grassroots development is not possible without local growth in petroleum import) can be addressed with a elections and we will deal with that in another editorial single silver bullet: hydropower generation including next week. But it is the economy on which the new reservoir projects to meet domestic demand and export to government has to get moving right away. That is also offset the yawning trade deficit with India. An aggressive the message from the electorate: we don’t really care that push on infrastructure will create employment, and once much about slogans for federalism or secularism, we highways, airports, and hydropower projects are built want healthcare, education, roads, and jobs. they will spur manufacturing which in turn will generate Nepali voters don’t want politics as usual, in fact they more jobs. don’t want politics, period. They want attention given Leaders in the NC, more than any other party, to the economy. In this, the NC is ideally placed to go understand this. Now, if they can only get over their back to what it was doing 20 years ago with economic internal power struggle and weed out the corrupt in their deregulation to attract investors, free up the market, top rank, we can be on our way from where we left off dismantle the cartels, and create employment. two decades ago. JON APPEL

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BACK TO THE CENTRE politics and the customary bickering. any hopes of having a democratic left not to mention it’s a complete waste #683). Tibetan parents feel a sense This election has shown the need for For the sake of the country I pray that in Nepal. The country is once again in of money if someone wins from both of pride when they send their kids to electoral reform, as cited in this as our newly elected leaders don’t spend the hands of NEOs: neo-liberals, neo- places and re-elections are needed. English-medium schools, something well as previous editorials in Nepali the next months fi ghting over the democrats, neo-lefts, neo-rights, and Prem Rai their parents were not able to do and Times (‘Back to the centre’, Editorial, post of prime minister and president. neo-elites. the reason why there was a need for #683). Although the poll results may Otherwise, the Rs 50 billion that we Nirmal PEACE OF MIND Tibetan schools in the fi rst place. Also have been unpleasant for some of spent on polls will have gone to utter I have great respect for Matrika second and third generation Tibetans the parties, it’s now all about the waste. Let Ram Baran Yadav remain There is no need for extensive Devkota (‘Peace of mind’, Ayesha feel a closer affi nity towards their future. It would be foolish, however, in Shital Niwas, let Sushil Koirala post-election analysis. The Maoists Shakya, #683). His relentless efforts birthplace than a land they have never for the NC and UML to get carried fi nally become the prime minister. won in 2008 through intimidation and at raising awareness about mental set foot in. So many are not interested away. A triumphalist response would First give Nepalis a constitution by violence. When such prospects were health in Nepal and helping patients in learning their ‘mother tongue’. alienate the Maoists further and 2015, then the politicians can fi ght reduced during the second elections, live better lives make him one of Sonam Lama exacerbate the current polarisation. over positions and money as much as people voted the way they really the most deserving recipients of the Nepal managed to hold a magnifi cent they want. wanted and the Maoists lost. ‘Breaking the Chains of Stigma’ award. Life has become diffi cult for election and proved doubters wrong. Karma Latate I hope this recognition brings greater Tibetan refugees in Kathmandu. There Let’s celebrate while the euphoria understanding and support for mentally is enormous pressure to curb the lasts and before the disappointments POST MORTEM GOING LOCAL disabled members of our society. freedom of movement of Tibetans. of the coming months set in. Although I vehemently oppose the While Nepalis have chosen locals Mahesh They have no choice but to migrate Jen ethno-federalism agenda due to my over celebrity or ‘tourist’ candidates to USA and Canada and as a result, personal ideology, I disagree with this time, it will be really interesting I can only imagine what it must feel Tibetan schools in Kathmandu are I agree that the election results Muma Ram Khanal’s analysis of the to see how well the winners serve like living with mental illness in Nepal. running out of students. are a clear indication of people’s recently held elections (‘Post mortem their constituencies in the next fi ve Even in the US, where we have made Pasang Thondup disillusionment with the Maoist of a defeat’, #683). It makes no sense years (‘Going local’, Dambar Krishna huge strides in mental health science, agenda. However, to take this to to say that the Maoists were defeated Shrestha, #683). There have been there is still such a stigma that few mean a rejection of inclusiveness in the polls for having championed far too many times when the leaders families bring their children or loved and identity is wrong. Most Nepalis ethnic federalism, presidential system we voted for abandoned us and ones for examination or counseling. want identity addressed (maybe or controlled judiciary. Khanal’s forgot our needs once they reached To make the problem worse, state Weekly Internet Poll #684 not necessarily through ethnic column seems like a vengeful powerful posts. While the most funding for mental health is abysmal, so Q. Are the current election results an indication that Nepali federalism); they just didn’t trust the act against his former party and pressing responsibility of the new patients have to spend a lot out of their people are against the Maoists’ ethno-federalism agenda? Maoists to take the agenda forward. colleagues. assembly is to draft a new constitution, own pockets for treatment. For those Total votes: 900 It’s time to take a level-headed look The Maoists lost for three the CA members cannot ignore local who are poor, it is almost impossible to at the results and not be swayed by reasons. First, they made no efforts development. Otherwise, the next time gain access to services. victory and defeat. After all, this is the in improving their image, which round they run for elections, they won’t Paul B mandate of only 40 per cent of the took a bad hit in the past fi ve years. have ‘home’ support. population and the NC got perhaps Second, they neither contributed to Renu Shrestha LITTLE TIBETS 20 per cent of that vote. the writing of the constitution nor the One of the reasons why Tibetan Dane regeneration of political parties. Lastly, I still don’t understand how schools in Nepal are struggling to fi nd they scared off common Nepalis with politicians in Nepal are allowed to run and retain students is the improved Weekly Internet Poll # 685. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com Now that the election euphoria their bigoted and outdated communist from two different constituencies. It economic condition of the community Q. Do you think it’s time to build a new national has died down, we are back to dirty jargon. However, this defeat also kills goes against principles of democracy, (‘Little Tibets’, Tsering Dolker Gurung, cricket stadium?

Publisher and Chief Editor: Kunda Dixit Editor: Trishna Rana | Associate Editor: Tsering Dolker Gurung | Online Editor: Bhrikuti Rai | Design: Kiran Maharjan Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd | Patan Dhoka, Lalitpur | GPO Box 7251 Kathmandu [email protected] | www.nepalitimes.com | www.himalmedia.com | Tel: 01-5005601-08 Fax: +977-1-5005518 Marketing: Arjun Karki, Surendra Sharma [email protected] | Advertorials: Ram Krishna Banjara | Subscriptions: Santosh Aryal [email protected] Nepali Times on Facebook Follow @nepalitimes on Twitter Printed at Jagadamba Press | 01-5250017-19 | www.jagadambapr.com 6 - 12 DECEMBER 2013 #684 OPINION 3 All together now The NC and UML have a two-third majority, but they need a consensus on the constitution

he initial euphoria over the bad press over sheltering election results has war criminals on both sides Tnow been replaced by a contributed to their defeat. sobering reality that the voting A few weeks before the was the easy part. Vermilion elections, we compared the rallies have been held and those party manifestos in this column in mourning are taking their time and concluded that the NC coming to terms with the verdict. and UML were vague about the constitutional agenda and only the Maoists and some Madhesi parties put their stance clearly on federalism and state BY THE WAY structure. But that didn’t seem Anurag Acharya to have mattered. Days before the elections, we found not many people were interested in Whether or not there was the constitution. systematic fraud in the election “They will take one look at process as alleged by the UCPN you and tell whether they will (M) and the Madhes-based vote for you. If you won last parties, is now irrelevant. The time, but didn’t find time to NC and UML cried foul in 2008, come back and listen to your but were forced to accept electorate, you will lose this the results in the end and the time,” was how a TMLP PR Maoist-Madhesi parties will also candidate we met in Sunsari have to swallow the bitter pill described the public mood and move on. before polls. The results proved Candidates who suspect him right. anomalies can complain to Now, it is back to the the Election Court, but by unfolding power-sharing drama threatening to boycott between two big parties. Who the CA and refusing to accept gets to be the prime minister? poll results, the Maoist and How will the portfolios be Madhesi parties are showing divided? Should there be a new political immaturity and president? The NC and UML tarnishing their own democratic clearly have the numbers to credentials. The sooner they form a coalition government realise this and move on, the and the two-third majority in better for them and us. the CA. But the constitution is a In the past two weeks, consensus document and unless mainstream media hasn’t been it is owned by all forces, it will able to hide its glee at the victory lack legitimacy and lead back to of the NC and UML and hailed street agitation. it as a triumph of the nationalist Despite championing a and democratic forces construing ‘progressive’ agenda, the Maoist and Madhesi parties’ Maoists and Madhesi parties loss as a defeat of ethnic and lost popular support because regional politics. On the other they took it for granted and side, there were dark allegations belittled the opposition. If the of systematic cheating by the NC and UML misinterpret Army, EC, and India by pro- their victory as licence for Maoist op-ed writers. There unilateralism, they will fare no was very little balanced and better next time. dispassionate analysis about The UCPN (M) and the the poll results and how it will Madhesi parties must respect impact constitution drafting. public mandate and participate It is a matter of perspective in the CA. They may not have whether people voted against the numbers to form a government, Maoists and Madhesi parties, or but so long as they stand by they voted in favour of the NC democratic and inclusive and UML. But it is clear agendas, they will be that the perception effective in the of rot at the top CA and find of the Maoist popular support leadership and outside. It may be their only redemption.

DIWAKAR CHETTRI 4 NATION 6 - 12 DECEMBER 2013 #684 Ruby in the rough here I come from, violence A young woman in Nepalganj strives to be a strong Ruby was elected the general secretary is so pervasive, it is in 2008. She is also a central committee “Wactually a norm,” says role model for others to help them fight the right fight member of the National Alliance of Ruby Khan, 25, as she takes a break from Women Human Rights Defenders and preparing a presentation about her work holds a Master’s degree in sociology from due the next day. India. But the feisty activist says she is Ruby grew up in Nepalganj with her not done studying. three siblings. Her sister got married at After years of field experience, Ruby 14 and so did a lot of her friends. “By is increasingly beginning to understand that time I had seen more than a teenager how policy related issues affect grassroots should see: violence, child brides, activism. She now wants to get involved children giving birth to children, talak, with the education of young Muslim and breaking up of so many families,” boys and girls in madrasas because she she says. believes changing the attitude towards woman at a young age will help tackle a myriad of problems later on. “It’s important to catch them young,” she says INTERESTING TIMES with a smile. Mallika Aryal However, without the unwavering support of her mother, who taught by Her father had never seen the example that women can do it all, Ruby inside of a school and didn’t believe in would not be where she is today. The educating girls. Her mother, however, passion and dedication with which she was educated and hid money so that works, serve as inspiration for others to she could send Ruby to school. After continue fighting for what they believe her parents’ divorce, young Ruby grew in. But for that women need to be strong. up witnessing the daily struggles of her That strength comes in numbers, she mother as she tried to rebuild her life. says. Fearing a similar fate to her peers, she Because she has had such a good one, MALLIKA ARYAL worked hard to stay out of her father’s Ruby believes in role models: someone sight and perform well at school. rarely in the office. activist working in different communities pioneering women can look up to so At 14, she took up a part-time job “I have worked on horrific cases of with men and women, she has had to that they don’t feel alone. “It is still very at the National Women’s Rights Forum domestic violence, rape, and murder. overcome a lot of adversities. When she difficult to be an independent-thinking (NWRF) in Nepalganj. As a liaison They make me lose sleep at night,” she first started out, her neighbours would woman,” she admits. “We need more between survivors, victims, human rights explains. But that is precisely why she call her names. “I have been disgraced positive role models, some kind of a organisations, and law enforcement does the work she does. Says Ruby, and disowned, now they have run out of support system, or even a sounding authorities, Ruby is constantly travelling “There are so many of us who suffer and names to call me and I can finally work board.” Ruby hopes to be for those around on her big motorbike visiting so few of us who fight.” in peace,” she admits. young women what her mother is households and communities and is However, as a female human rights Having worked her way up NWRF, to her. 6 - 12 DECEMBER 2013 #684 BUSINESS 5

technology will be only part of BIZ BRIEFS the story. Cities need to upgrade Cities and climate their governance, to allow for a greater role for poorer and more NIC Asia wins Bank of the Year marginalised communities and NIC Asia Bank recently won JEFFREY D SACHS in NEW YORK simultaneously on three goals: to enable much more effective the prestigious ‘Bank of the economic prosperity, social coordination across city lines Year 2013- Nepal’ award from acloban in the Philippines inclusion, and environmental when a metropolitan area is The Banker, a Financial Times has now joined the sustainability. Achieving home to many individual cities. publication based in the UK. growing list of cities these targets will require good A wise political doctrine The winner was announced T by The Banker during its annual – including New Orleans, governance, public finance, and known as subsidiarity holds Bangkok, Moscow, Rio de effective institutions. that public-policy challenges award ceremony on 28 November in London. Director Lokmanya Janeiro, and Port-au-Prince, to Cities will be in the front should be assigned to the Golchha and CEO Sashin Joshi name just a few – pummeled lines of the battle for sustainable lowest level of government were present to receive the in recent years by climate development. Not only do they able to address them, thereby trophy. This is the second time catastrophes. Many of the face direct threats; they also ensuring maximum democratic that NIC has been presented with world’s largest cities, built on have the best opportunities to participation in problem solving this award. The bank had earlier seacoasts and rivers, face the identify and deliver solutions. and the greatest opportunity to won in 2007. threat of rising sea levels and As high-density, high- tailor solutions to genuine local NIC Asia Bank, which was formed through a merger of NIC Bank and intensifying storms. So the new productivity settlements, cities needs. Bank of Asia in June this year, is one of the largest private sector banks in global development agenda now can provide greater access to The world’s governments are the country. services of all kinds now negotiating the Sustainable – including energy, Development Goals, which will water, health, guide the global development Mix up Hotel Radisson held its annual education, finance, agenda from 2015 to 2030. In Christmas cake mixing ceremony on media, transport, an important meeting on 25 Sunday. The program was headed recycling, and September, the United Nations by General Manager Anil Malik with research – than can General Assembly agreed that hotel guests, employees, and media most rural areas. the SDGs would be adopted at representatives participating in the The great challenge, a global summit in September holiday activity. however, is to 2015, with the next two years provide this access used to select the priorities. inclusively and An urban SDG, promoting Shaved off taking shape should empower sustainably. inclusive, productive, and Qatar Airways offered a 25 per cent discount on its fares to celebrate its cities to help lead the way to A significant part of the resilient cities, would greatly joining Oneworld, the global airline alliance. Tickets bought during the offer, sustainable development. solution will come through empower tens of thousands which lasted until 5 December, can be used for travel from 13 January to 30 Today, the share of urbanites advanced technologies, of cities worldwide to take June 2014. is around 53 per cent and is information systems, up the cause of sustainable this figure is likely to rise to and materials science. development for their own around 67 per cent by 2050. The information and citizens, their countries, and the Joyeux time Because per capita incomes are communications revolution has planet. On Wednesday, Thai Airways celebrated its 46th anniversary higher in cities than in rural spawned the idea of the ‘smart www.project-syndicate.org in Nepal. The airlines, which has been operating in the areas, the world’s cities today city’, which places the relevant country since 1968, fl ies twice daily to Bangkok. are estimated to account for technologies at the heart of more than 80 per cent of global systems that collect and respond income. to information: smart power Round-up The 27th Annual General Sustainable development grids, smart transport networks, Meeting of Standard offers a new concept for the smart buildings, and zoning. Chartered Bank Nepal world economy in the 21st Although the advances Limited (SCBNL) began century. Rather than focusing in materials science open on Tuesday at the Army solely on income, sustainable the possibility of much more Offi cer’s Club in Kathmandu. Speaking at the function, Chairman Sunil development encourages cities, energy-efficient residences Kaushal thanked all the investors and customers for their support. countries, and the world to focus and commercial buildings, The masters Suryansh Chaudhary bagged the Everest Golf challenge title with an accumulated 36 stableford points. Wangchen Dhondup took home the best gross award title while Team India won the team event. The annual event took place at Gokarna Golf Club and was sponsored by Everest Bank.

Talking Turkey Travel Turkey conference is scheduled to take place from 5- 8 December in the city of Izmir. The meeting will bring together tourism professionals from more than 20 countries under one roof. 6 NATION 6 - 12 DECEMBER 2013 #684 Behave yourselves Justice denied s they get increasingly frail, Nanda Prasad and Ganga That is the message from the voters to both during the closing days of the AMaya Adhikari, who have been on hunger strike at Bir Maoist and non-Maoist political leaders campaign, he appealed to them Hospital for the past 50 days, can barely speak. The can sense as being the most accessible the end is near, but the justice they crave against the killers of politician for the local people their son, Krishna, in June 2004 by the Maoists is still far. in their good days and bad and The couple has refused intravenous saline and appears reminded them that he even to be resigned to their fate. Their lips are parched and the unfailingly made it a point to two haven’t had anything to eat or drink since 24 October. grace their marriage celebrations. On Tuesday, the National Human Rights Commission raised The NC and UML did not win concern about the couple’s health and urged the government to on ideology, they just reaped a complete the investigation in Krishna Adhikari’s murder. harvest of votes from those who During their last fast in July, Home Minister Madhav were displaced by the Maoists Ghimire had told the Adhikaris flatly that his government and Madhesis. couldn’t apprehend the guilty because the crimes came under Kamal Thapa’s RPP-N, on the rules of conflict-era violence. However, as their health the other hand, is a one-leader deteriorated, the state assured them that the murderers would

DIWAKAR CHETTRI DIWAKAR party. While it did not have its be investigated and the two broke their fast on 8 September own local good guys to attract in the presence of government officials and human rights the displaced votes from the activists. The UCPN (Maoist) had opposed the arrest of their Maoists and Madhesis, as a cadre and forced a Chitwan closure. nascent party it did very well in Police arrested Ram Prasad Adhikari, but a Chitwan court hile the CA2 election attacks on buses and booby trap the proportional segment of the later acquitted him for lack of evidence. That is when the was drawing near bombs in the city centre that balloting. The party itself has Adhikaris went back to hunger strike. Wlast month, it was maimed children did not deter been going against the current being lampooned widely as a the people from coming out by not just standing up against waste of time and resources. to vote. Whoever said Nepalis federalisation of the country, but Many, including those in this are apathetic couldn’t be more also rooted for a restoration of a newspaper’s op-ed pages, said it wrong: they were willing to risk constitutional Hindu monarchy. was going to be ‘the same parties, their lives to cast their ballots. More than half-a-million votes However, it is still for a monarchy is not something inexplicable why voters should to be sniffed at and the new CA have gone back to the NC and must also contend with this fact. GUEST COLUMN UML, the two parties that are The distinctiveness of the CA2 Bihari K Shrestha singularly responsible for the lost election has been that discerning

decade of the 1990s which gave voters have taught the parties BIKRAM RAI the same politicians, and the the Maoists the pretext to inflict a lesson or two in democratic NEARING THE END: Nanda Prasad and Ganga Maya Adhikari on same agenda’. a cruel and wasteful war on the governance. In specific terms, Thursday afternoon on the 50th day of their hunger strike at Bir It was widely felt that in people as a shortcut to power. they totally repudiated the Hospital, demanding justice for the murder of their son, Krishna, in no country with a respectable The victory of the NC and UML Maoist and Madhesi politicians’ 2004. They are now refusing intravenous saline. democratic tradition would a was by default. They didn’t win rather opportunistic stance political party field the same because they were liked, but on ethno-centric and divisive In June 2004, Krishna Adhikari was dragged from his home disgraced politicians for re- because the people hated the federalisation of the country in Phujel of Gorkha district, taken to Chitwan, and killed by election all over again. However, Maoists more. and their reckless proclivity the Maoists after being tortured by being dragged behind a to the pleasant surprise of Since Nepalis decided to vote to mismanage state affairs motorcycle in a sack. Nanda Prasad and Ganga Maya spent the all, the ensuing result of CA2 against the Maoist and diehard including the dilution of national past few years going from one government office to another election has shown that the Madhesi agenda for ethnicity sovereignty. seeking justice. They started a hunger strike outside Baluwatar thought process of the voters was and federalism, they went to the They have spoken in no last year when Baburam Bhattarai was prime minister and completely different. parties they have known and the uncertain terms that Nepalis are the police forcibly threw them into a mental asylum. Later, Altering the combination of individuals that they trusted. For for peace, order, stability, ethnic the Bhattarai government sent police to load the couple into the parties in power sent out a instance, the newly elected and harmony, and good governance a jeep and deport them back to Gorkha. In March, the NHRC very powerful and unmistakable widely publicised NC candidate in the country that assures had recommended that the government put the guilty on trial, message to the politicians that the from Kathmandu-10, Rajan KC, is inalienable opportunity for give compensation to the couple, and ensure they return home people expect them to behave in a native of Chobhar and has been growth for all people irrespective safely. But the Bhattarai administration ignored the directive, a genuinely accountable manner a highly respected social worker of their caste, ethnicity, gender, arguing that this was an insurgency-related case. and fully respect their aspiration in the area. When people rejected and geographical situation. According to the complaint the Adhikaris filed at the for democracy and development. Pushpa Kamal Dahal, KC was a Most importantly, if the NC and District Police Headquarter in Chitwan, Januka Poudel and The huge turnout itself was good fallback. UML in particular fail to deliver other Maoist cadres are involved in the murder. Poudel was a message to the Baidya Maoists Similar is the story in on their promises, come next Hisila Yami’s assistant when Bhattarai was prime minister. that terrorism and tantrums don’t Kathmandu-5. When the UML’s election, they could be facing the When the couple came to Kathmandu to seek justice, Bhattarai work anymore. Wide media general secretary, Shankar same debacle of the Maoist and quashed the investigation. coverage of fatal petrol bomb Pokhrel, addressed his voters Madhesi parties. The wind has shifted again from the southwest, hence the haze. The added moisture has blanketed Kathmandu in a thick inversion layer of KATHMANDU smog. There are no major westerly fronts in sight, so we should continue to have hazy afternoon sunshine and clear weather only around New Years. Some high altitude cirrus riding the jet stream will fl ash by, this will raise the minimum temperatures somewhat over the weekend, but nothing to worry about.

FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 18° 17° 16° #684 6 - 12 December 2013 10° 10° 11°

BEFORE-AFTER: Donkeys across brick kilns in Kathmandu are made to work long hours under harrowing conditions and repeatedly abused by their handlers (left). Animal Nepal's donkey sanctuary in Lalitpur, opened in 2009, rehabilitates the animals and let’s them live out their remaining years free from exploitation (below).

locals involved in supporting the donkeys. Lukki was 18 months old when was rescued with her mother from a brick kiln in Lalitpur. She was emaciated and badly bruised when she first arrived, but has made a complete recovery and is as friendly as a pet dog. Like Lukki, most of the other former work animals have regained full health and seem to be enjoying their time in the farm, free from exploitation. Come February, more will be brought to the sanctuary. To prevent over-crowding, Animal Nepal is looking for support to build a newer shelter for healthier donkeys. It also encourages individuals and organisations to adopt the donkeys as pets. Till now, half a dozen donkeys have been given to hotels under the condition that they be well-fed and

SAM KANG LI provided regular medical check- ups, just like any other pet. “It is challenging to protect animals that carry the worst cultural connotations,” explains Kafle. “But letting them die at brick BEASTS kilns is no way to treat a species so close to humans.” Animal Nepal is also part of a network of social workers, environmentalists, child rights OF BURDEN and animal rights advocates called BrickClean Network (BCN) that is promoting socially A sanctuary in Badikhel provides responsible brick making through a well-deserved retirement a new certification system. Factories across the Valley are home for former brick kiln ranked based on 18 criteria donkeys of Kathmandu including environment, child SUNIR PANDEY labour, workers’ conditions, and health and sanitation. By raising very year as winter sets in are overloaded, underfed, and of Nepalganj, they are the biggest make the lives of both master and awareness on the exploitation that Kathmandu, thousands of made to work even when sick bread earners. A family gets up beast more bearable,” says Uttam takes place in kilns, BCN hopes to Edonkeys cross the Nepal- or pregnant. The ones who are to Rs 15,000 in advance for each Kafle of Animal Nepal. encourage customers to choose India border into Nepalganj at severely ill are simply left to die. donkey it sends to the capital, Back in Kathmandu, Kafle’s cleaner and greener bricks to build night. Unchecked by the officers of Once the season is over in May, the but with half the animals being organisation runs a 1.2 acre donkey their dream homes. Banke’s district veterinarian office, surviving donkeys return to the seriously injured, their debts pile sanctuary in Badikhel, Lalitpur, Sunir Pandey the donkeys are then hauled to plains where their owners leave up each year. If Kathmandu’s brick where it provides rehabilitation and the Valley in the back of cramped them unattended because they are kilns stop hiring donkeys or they a well-deserved retirement home [email protected] trucks, each truck is packed with no longer useful in the fields and get relocated, the Kasgars will lose for the beasts. Started in 2009, the animalnepal.wordpress.com up to 25 donkeys. provide no further earning. their sole source of income. shelter has rescued 70 animals On their very first day at work Though labeled clumsy and “Training the Kasgars in other so far and receives funding from nepalitimes.com in the brick kilns, the animals are stupid, donkeys are in fact strong, life skills such as pottery and France (Brigitte Bardot Foundation), beaten by their handlers. Thus intelligent, and highly dependable providing them with small loans Australia (Animal Aid Abroad), and Earth, fi re, and air, #676 Blood bricks, #591 starts the vicious cycle of abuse. work animals. And for the so that they can diversify their the UK (The Donkey Sanctuary). But Braying for help, #469 For the next six months, they marginalised Kasgar ethnic group livelihood are some alternatives to Kafle says it is very difficult to get 8

Open bazar, it’s never too early for the Yuletide spirit when it comes EVENTS to shopping; apparels, accessories, DINING MUSIC home decor and handicrafts. 7 December, 12 to 4pm, Embassy Restaurant, Pani Pokhari, Lajimpat Starry Night BBQ, catch Ciney Gurung live as you munch The Last Message, watch this fi lm on tenderloin. documenting the cases of four Rs 1,499, 7pm onwards, Shambala Nepalis who were disappeared by Garden Café, Hotel Shangri-la, state security forces and Maoists Lajimpat, (01)4412999, Ext. 7520, 7515 during the insurgency. 6 December, 2.30 to 4pm, COCAP Hall, Kripa Unplugged, young Nepali Anamnagar, 9849111181/ 9849982152 musicians and seasoned veterans CLIMATE+CHANGE, an awe-inspiring educational science exhibition about give an acoustic rendition of their climate change and Nepal's Himalayas. December to April, Nepal Art Council Live painting, have your portrait favourite songs. painted by artists Supriya Manandhar, 8.30pm and 10.30pm on Sundays, Kamal Gurung, and Dhwoj Gurung as TTV, www.youtube.com/user/ TRISARA, with dishes like fl ambeed they demonstrate the possibilities of KripaUnplugged prawns, crispy chicken, and khao Tell your story, make a 1-2 min water colour. soi, it would be a folly to ignore its video about how girls are changing 6 to 8 December, Park Gallery, Women rock, female singers, aromas. Lajimpat the world; contest open to girls aged Pulchok, (01)5522307 musicians, and slam poets come 12 to 25, winner takes $10,000. together to speak out against Chopstix, savoury Asian food cooked Deadline 31 December, Cheep cheep, home to over 500 violence against women. in true Chinese fashion sure to charm www.letgirlslead.org species of birds, including 18 globally 6 December, 7.30pm, The Attic, and impress. Try the famous drums of CONVERGENCE, bring your own threatened species, Kathmandu Uttar Dhoka heaven. Kumaripati, (01)5551118 Guerrilla celluloid, learn from photographs and learn from Julian Valley is paradise for birdwatchers.

travelling director Uzair Sawal how Parker-Burns how you can make 7 December, 7am, Bajrabarahi Temple, Byanjan Grill, its open patio is a to make a fi lm on a shoe-string them into a montage where the line Lalitpur, 9851010391 budget or less. between photographs and painting is great place to sit, enjoy a book, take 7 to 8 December, 10am to 4pm, blurred. Rs 1,200, 8 December, 11am, in the view, and gorge on delicious Sattya Media Arts Collective, Image Ark Art Gallery, (01)5006665 cuisine when the hunger kicks in. Jawalakhel, www.sattya.org, Barahi Chok, Lakeside-6, Pokhara, www.uzairsawal.com Telling a Tale, Kitchen Dramas, (061)466271 world premiere of a play adapted Tree of life, an exhibition of the from short stories written, Mongolian BBQ, start your weekends paintings on the Mithila cosmos by contributed by Nepali women and the right way, with traditional music. SC Suman. girls. 6 December, 4.30pm, Theatre Rs 1,099, 7pm onwards, Shangri-la 10 December to 6 January, 5.30pm, Village, Uttar Dhoka, Village Resort, (061)462222 ext. 5055 Siddhartha Art Gallery, Babarmahal South asian poetry festival, Free Bubbly Brunch, the best of Degree maila, watch this humorous verse under the open sky poets from CIRCUS KATHMANDU, an the Mediterranean in shawarma play on contemporary Nepali Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, India afternoon of circus and cabaret and pasta. ABELTON LIVE, an improvisation society. and Pakistan. 7 December, 1.30pm entertainment, with live music, Rs 1,100, 11am to 3pm, Shambala workshop with acclaimed Italian jazz 29 November to 15 December, onwards, Basantapur Darbar Square; bingo, food and drinks. Garden and Club Sundhara, Hotel musician Gianni Denitto. 6 December, 4.30pm, except Mondays, Mandala 8 December, 1.30pm onwards, Rs 200/300, 7 December, 4 to 8pm, Shangri-la, Lajimpat, (01)4412999 ext. 11am onwards, Kathmandu Jazz Theatre, Anamnagar, 016924269 Patan Darbar Square Moksh Bar, 9841549811 7520, 7515 Conservatory, Jhamsikhel, (01)5013554 6 - 12 DECEMBER 2013 #684 9

he 11th edition of Kathmandu travel writer Gerda Pauler who walked TInternational Mountain Film the trail in 2012 and a short fi lm GETAWAYS The mountains Festival is upon us. Opening the competition 'We are all connected' festival is debutant Sahara Sharma’s for fi lmmakers to articulate their are calling feature Indreni Khojdai Jada, and relationship with the natural world. Shangri-La Village Resort, spend closing it is The Epic of Everest, Focusing on other aspects of your weekend under the shadow the offi cial fi lm record of the 1924 Nepal’s Himalayas, there will also of breathtaking mountain views, Everest expedition. be panel discussions on helicopter landscaped gardens, water bodies and This year, KIMFF is showcasing rescue, railways, challenges of a relaxing ambience. 47 fi lms from 20 countries, focusing mountain tourism as well as an Gharipatan, Pokhara,(61)462222, on a range of subjects from exhibition of photos taken by the (01)4410051. adventure to development, culture late Swiss geologist Tony Hagen. to migration. Other events include an 11 to 15 December audiovisual presentation on the City Hall, Exhibition Road Great Himalayan Trail by German (01)4440635, www.kimff .org

THE LAST RESORT, test your limits with canyoning, hiking, rock climbing, rafting, mountain biking, bungee Jingle Bells Education for peace jumping. Bhotekosi, Sindhupalchok, (01)4700525/1247 t’s that time of the year again when stores in town bedecked in red hen the right to movement and Iand green announce the coming of the holiday season. Spreading Wspeech was curtailed during the Buddha Maya Gardens Hotel, add the festive cheer is Summit Hotel which as in previous years will host insurgency, Nepathya toured across the value to your travel in Lumbini with a Christmas market this weekend. If you are a shopper, feed your country to spread the message of peace a stay at probably the best hotel in the appetite with a stroll around the dozen stalls that will have clothes, and harmony among the people. area. pashmina products, and handicrafts up for sale. And when the real Now for the seventh time, Nepathya is Lumbini, (71)580220, 9801033109, hunger kicks in, satiate it with the hotel’s special fare - pit roast setting off on a nationwide tour to 10 new [email protected] wild boar barbeque - that will be laid out at sunset. Joining in the cities, this time with the aim of voicing the celebration will concerns of children. Raniban Retreat, situated at the be Kathmandu other end of the Phewa lake and Carol who 6 December Ratnanagar, Chitwan nested inside the Raniban forest and will put up 8 December Birat Chok, Morang the World Peace Stupa, this retreat a special 10 December Damak, Jhapa has one of the best views of the performance. 12 December Lalbandi, Sarlahi Annapurna range. Phewa lake, and 14 December Taulihawa, Kapilbastu Pokhara. Date:6 16 December Gularia, Bardiya World Peace Pagoda, Pokhara, December 18 December Lamahi, Dang (61)692136, 9841382053 Time: 12pm 20 December Abu Khaireni, Tanahun onwards 22 December Myagdi, Beni Atithi Resort, a perfect place to Ticket: Rs 24 December Gagan Gaunda, Kaski stay, nearby pool, massage, sauna, 1,500 + taxes 29 December Patan Darbar Square and delicious food of your choice. Venue: Summit Shantipatan, Lakeside, Pokhara, Hotel, Sanepa www.nepalaya.com.np, (61)466760, (01)4002077 (01)4412469/4437893 10 CLIMATE FOR CHANGE

DAVID MOLDEN languages and the region’s mountain communities contain incredible knowledge of sustainable ways to manage mountain any people see mountains as a resources. The mountains are a rich repository remote, awe-inspiring landscape of agricultural biodiversity, storing the seeds – a jagged texture on a distant on which the food security of our children Mhorizon, or a destination to may depend. Within this landscape of explore on an adventurous trek. cultural and ecological diversity lies many of But mountains are much more than the solutions we will need to face a multitude that. While only 12 per cent of the world’s of emerging global challenges. Yet the wealth population actually lives in mountains, 40 of the mountains for all of humanity is under- per cent of people around the globe depend recognised and undervalued by the global on mountains for the many services they community. provide, including water, Recently the fate of glaciers hydroelectricity, timber, has brought more attention to the biodiversity, minerals, flood mountains. There is increasing control, and recreation. evidence that most glaciers are This is especially true for the receding at a rapid pace across Hindu Kush Himalaya – a diverse the Himalaya as a result of climate landscape stretching from Afghanistan, change. There is increasing evidence of more across the Karakoram, the Tibetan Plateau, frequent high intensity rainfall events, rapid and the Himalayan arc to Myanmar and warming at higher elevations, floods of extending down to the Chittagong Hill Tracts. increasing magnitude and frequency, and The region is home to 10 major Asian river more droughts. Climate change is only one basins, supporting 210 million people in of many changes mountain people have been the mountains and 1.3 billion people living witnessing over the last 30 years. Increased downstream. pollution, floods, droughts, drying spring SNOWMELT: water Diversity in all dimensions is extremely from a glacier on Mt sources, and environmental degradation rakaposhi in pakistan. high in mountain regions. In the Hindu pose major threats. There is a new set Kush Himalaya, there are over 1,000 living of social transformations that challenge BIRENDRA BAJRACHARYA

When you cry wolf too often about Himalayan a Himalayan catastrophe, people myth buster may tune out

KUNDA DIXIT governments and international had predicted that the mountains organisations. would turn into desert and the soil The book is an erosion would cause catastrophic ack Ives doesn’t suffer autobiographical travelogue and floods downstream. fools and he has takes frequent detours to tell The theory became fashionable encountered many during stories from places like Darjeeling, after the publication of Erik Jhis colourful career Lhasa, the Caucasus, Kathmandu Eckholm’s 1976 book, Losing pushing the mountain agenda or Khumbu. Although at times Ground. It was picked up by at the Rio Summit in 1992, quixotic, Ives uses a breezy story- agencies like the World Bank, through the International Year telling style to communicate a which predicted in 1979 that given of Mountains in 2002, right serious message: don’t exaggerate, the rate of deforestation there down to the present. overdramatise, and spread would be no accessible forests A British-born Canadian, Ives confusion about what is happening remaining in the Himalaya by was part of the group of experts to the mountains. 2000. Ives and other researchers that oversaw in 1975 meetings Among Ives’ revealing went on to prove through that led to the establishment anecdotes is one about a fracas in empirical research in Kakani of the International Centre 1975 between India and Pakistan and Khumbu in Nepal that far for Mountain Development over where ICIMOD should be from being washed down to (ICIMOD) in Kathmandu. In located. India wanted Simla and the sea, Himalayan slopes were his 45 years of research in the Pakistan was gunning for Gilgit being carefully manicured and Himalaya, Pamir, and Yunnan, and since they couldn’t agree, maintained by wise farmers. Ives has relentlessly struggled Kathmandu got selected. However, in the past five against sloppy science, alarmist Getting the fact right is Ives’ years Ives has had to do battle academics and a sensationalist main mantra, and it is applicable all over again against media crying wolf. equally to scientists, journalists, alarmist science about Now, Ives has decided to put policymakers, and donor agencies. climate warming and together a personalised account Ives has spent a lifetime battling the threat of melting of the people and mountains he pseudo-science and alarmist glaciers. In 2007, the has been acquainted with and mountain myths. The first was in Intergovernmental Panel MOUNTAIN DAY the sometimes epic struggle to the early 1980s at a conference on Climate Change (IPCC) get the sustainable development in Mohonk in Canada where stated that Himalayan 11 12 13 of fragile mountain areas he helped debunk the myth of glaciers were melting so of the world recognised by Himalayan degradation which fast that ‘if present rates 6 - 12 DECEMBER 2013 #684 11 New challenges face Himalayan communities, but they also present opportunities for sustainable progress traditional patterns of life including migration out of the mountains, growing cities, and a more connected, globalised world. Mountain people, living in fragile environments, are extremely vulnerable to the negative aspects of these changes. Given this, Climate+Change is the appropriate name for the exhibition that ICIMOD and GlacierWorks, together with the American Embassy, Thinc Design, photo. circle, Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Art Council, and other partners in Nepal, are set to open on International Mountain Day (11 December) at the Nepal Art Council. It features stunning images of the mountains, and, at closer look, striking visual evidence JITENDRA BAJRACHARYA of glacial retreat. The exhibition explores the many facets and drivers of change in to markets. People who migrate out of could be revived through better land and call to realise the role that mountains play in mountains, including the accelerated melting mountains come back with more money and water management. each and every one of our lives. We need to effect of black carbon from industrial more skills. There must be a way to better put Cooperation among countries in the sound the alarm bells about the impacts of and biomass burning on snow and glacial these resources to work. region will help improve the knowledge base climate change and the need to take action. melt, as well as the ways in which people Flood events make the news far too often. required for science to deliver solutions. A The incredible photos at the Climate+Change in the mountains are responding to new At the same time, across the mountains better regional picture of the status of glaciers, exhibition and the stories around them, are challenges. and hills, people complain about spring snow, and water is possible with cooperation. meant to do just that. Change also provides opportunities. With sources drying up. There is too much water Because floods and deteriorating air quality rapid urbanisation, there is more demand for and too little water. We can’t blame this cross borders, transboundary cooperation unique mountain products such as medicinal purely on climate change as these are also is essential. Importantly, cooperation raises herbs and organic fruits and vegetables. human-induced problems. It is possible to the voice of mountain people in decision David Molden is Director Linking markets and businesses to mountain dramatically reduce flood damage through making. General at ICIMOD producers is essential to get these goods early warning systems and many springs The global community needs a wake-up [email protected]

continue, the likelihood of them inappropriate, if not unethical.’ SEEING IS BELIEVING: Despite disappearing by the year 2035 He cites data: the snout of the stark evidence of glacier retreat like Imja (below), scientists warn … is very high’. This doomsday Khumbu Glacier has not retreated against raising undue alarm. scenario was used by climate visibly between 1950 and 2008, deniers to expose a fallacy in although appreciable thinning science and very nearly scuttled has occurred; if all the glacial the 2009 Copenhagen Climate ice in Nepal melted all at once it Summit. would only add six per cent to the Ives is not denying that climate volume of water in the Ganges warming is leading to permafrost annually, and though the area of melting, he is just arguing against Imja Lake has extended rapidly, it exaggerating the danger by a has fallen by 37m since 1960. sensationalist media or cash- The Himalayan degradation hungry development agencies. In theory may have been proven his book, Ives uses examples like wrong, but the rampant the panic that spread about Tso deforestation of the Siwalik Rolpa in the Rolwaling in 1995, the range, subsequent landslides, overblown threats of an imminent and erosion have raised riverbeds glacial lake outburst of Imja Lake causing flash floods in the in Khumbu, and the Germans Nepal Tarai. The Himalaya may exaggerating the dangers of glacial be more stable than previously floods to pull out of the Arun III thought, Nepali farmers may not project in 1994. be ignorant about the value of ‘The danger of glacial forests, but population pressure lake outbursts is real,’ Ives in the Chure has resurrected fears writes, ‘but misquotation and of degradation on a Himalayan gross exaggeration are totally scale. Climate change is the flavour of the month for funding as just about everything is being blamed on global warming. But the dangers of multiple glacial lake outburst floods triggered by a seismic event cannot be taken lightly, just as the threats of a catastrophic earthquake in Kathmandu can’t be overstated. Still, the main message in Ives’ book rings true: ‘The present situation requires planning and constant observation. It doesn’t Sustainable Mountain justify excessive alarmism or false Development reporting …’ Getting the Facts Right Jack D Ives nepalitimes.com Himalayan Association for the Demystifying Himalayan Advancement of Science, 2013 degradation, # 235 Hardcover 294 pages BIKRAM RAI 12 Ain’t Them Bodies Saints high minded, affecting the audience in exactly the opposite way that we intended. This almost always happens to first time or ’m not even that sure that I put him on the radar enough to be less experienced directors and this liked David Lowery’s debut able make a film like Ain’t Them is what I feel has stopped Ain’t Ifeature Ain’t Them Bodies Saints Bodies Saints which has close to a $4 Them Bodies Saints from being HAPPENINGS enough to write about, but this million budget and a cast with the truly great. is one of the pitfalls of reviewing likes of Casey Affleck, Rooney Mara, While the highly talented actors films weekly in a column titled Ben Foster, and Keith Carradine. say beautiful things (the script is ‘Must See’. This is not to say that Perhaps it is the lyrical, low key quite gorgeous), we don’t actually the film is not good, in fact, it has style that initially attracted such believe them and that is a bit of received rave reviews from almost actors to a film like this, or perhaps a tragedy for Lowery. However, all the high minded critics out it was just the fascination of taking without this kind of struggle, there there in the big old world – which a fairly archetypal story (boy meets would be no really risky, truly girl, they rob people, someone gets excellent independent cinema, the shot, boy takes blame, goes to jail, great Terrence Mallick (to whom girl is pregnant decides to wait) and Lowery has been compared) being MUST SEE raising it to a philosophical level. a case in point. Lately with To The Sophia Pande While I’m not sure that Lowery’s Wonder (2012) and The Tree of Life intent has actually translated (2011) Mallick has failed to make just goes to show how much of an onto the screen, it is still a worthy our minds soar in the way he used inexact science/purely opinionated attempt. And so we have the ever to with Days of Heaven (1978) and (if you will) occupation film present argument of intent versus The Thin Red Line (1998) – but BIKRAM RAI reviewing is. end product, a debate even more regardless of this, it is important PR CHECK: Election commissioners announce recipients of the 335 proportional Lowery’s film, which he wrote present in the making of indie to remember that both him and representation (PR) seats in the Constituent Assembly at the EC office in and produced, however much cinema which often goes off the rails Lowery have broken boundaries Kantipath on Tuesday. you may not love it, is worth in the attempt to make art. and experimented in order to be writing about though even if just As all filmmakers know, able to finally come to something to talk about the state of small, those who strive towards making worthwhile. independent minded cinema. cinematic art fail much more than Lowery came up through the ranks we succeed, more often than not nepalitimes.com directing adventurous projects ending up with something that looks here and there that eventually awfully pretentious and ridiculously Watch trailer

BIKRAM RAI VICTORY RUN: Fans surround Paras Khadka, captain of the Nepali cricket team, at Tribhuvan International Airport on Sunday. The team returned from UAE after qualifying for the 2014 T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.

DEVAKI BISTA FIGHTING AIDS: UN Resident Coordinator Jamie McGoldrick speaks at an event organised to mark the 26th World AIDS Day at Basantapur on Sunday.

BIKRAM RAI LET’S DANCE : Participants perform a dance routine to celebrate the International Day for People with Disabilities at Bhrikuti Mandap on Tuesday. 6 - 12 DECEMBER 2013 #684 13

REVIEW herself for the ceremony and Ghanashyam comes to terms with being orphaned, the anguish of both mother and son becomes palpable on screen. While expertly depicting the pain of the protagonists, director Yadav Kumar Bhattarai also explores the tender relationship between a mother and a son, which imbibes Jhola with a soul that has been missing in most Nepali movies pre and post the success of Loot. Perhaps the best two lines in the movie are delivered by the sister-in-law who sums up the audiences’ thoughts when she says: JHOLA “Why is it that only a woman has to sacrifice her life when a man dies, why can’t he do the quick glance at Jhola’s synopsis on same? … And why is it acceptable for a man the film’s website and few would be to marry for the second time?” Aexcited to watch it. However, even Although the Sati system was abolished at a time when ‘new-age’ Nepali cinema is decades ago, Jhola is still relevant to today’s characterised by glitzy packaging and fancy Nepal where, unfortunately, cases of sexual camera tricks, this sorrowful tale depicting harassment, violence against women, the cruel and inhuman practice of Sati in trafficking remain all too common. The film Nepal defies expectations. may not be technically sound or perfectly Based on author Krishna Dharabasi’s are introduced to a young Ghanashyam who enacted, but it succeeds in leaving an impact story of the same name, the film begins lives with his mother Kanchi (Garima Panta) and inspiring viewers to take a stance. when an old man called Ghanashyam and his ailing father (Desh Bhakta Khanal). Sunaina Rana (Sujal Nepal) leaves his bag for a night at After her husband passes away, Kanchi’s life www.jholanepalifilm.com the writer’s home. Suspicious, the writer becomes a nightmare. checks the contents of the bag only to find Expected to sacrifice herself on the funeral Jhola was screened by Zonta, an international an old manuscript which contains 11 short pyre, Kanchi enters almost a daze like state organisation working to improve the status of stories. As Dharabasi starts reading, he is and goes from being a strong-willed, loving women in Nepal, at QFX Kumari on 2 and 5 transported to Nepal of the 18th century. We mother to a helpless widow. As she prepares December.

was the standout dish. Rich and but probably best categorised as creamy as it should be, with a quasi-Chinese. Huge chunks of garnish of ghee for good measure, (again tender) chicken swam in the only thing to complain about a bright-red, garlic-heavy gravy, was the lack of naan bread on offer served with boiled rice and the that day to scoop it up with. But same vegetables from the cordon we couldn’t stay in India for the bleu. elena’s Restaurant is whole evening, although I suspect Helena’s really does do a bit something of an institution that this is where Helena’s greatest of everything and so we couldn’t Hin Thamel. A darling of strengths lie. leave without sampling its cakes, the darlings of the once-popular Moving instead to Europe, which are all baked in-house. The guidebooks backpackers use to the chicken cordon bleu (Rs 440) chocolate and banana cake and navigate the city’s hotspots, the came with a slightly grainy but carrot cake (both Rs 150) were restaurant boasts an impressive otherwise delicious mash and served in doorstop portions and seven floors and one of the highest steamed vegetables. The chicken while they lacked the moistness rooftop dining areas in the district. was perfectly cooked: tender and we’d hoped for, were a tasty (and At Nepali Times, we’ve often stuffed with cheese and generous) way to wrap up what shied away from reviewing more ham. But, to our dismay, was a rather uneven dinner. established restaurants, but it arrived smothered I feel a certain affection for considering Helena’s popularity in a hard-to-fathom Helena’s: the staff are extremely among visitors, it deserves to be generic tomato friendly, breakfasts are hard scrutinised as much as the newer, sauce. When you to beat, and offers a different trendier locations we tend to dining atmosphere on every gravitate towards. SOMEPLACE ELSE floor. It’s also a shame to single Helena’s is probably best PICS: KZ it out, as many of Thamel’s known for its breakfast menu, older joints have been trading featuring the usual sets, plus prepare a fillet off former glories for too long. excellent homemade croissants of chicken so We’ll definitely return to cover stuffed with ham, eggs, and the exquisitely, why not more of these stalwarts in future like. But the restaurant’s menu, Helena’s let it speak for itself? reviews, but knowing the amount like so many of its contemporaries, The dish certainly passed of innovation available in newer, is stuffed to the brim with food for muster, but only after we’d single-cuisine venues, this will be all times of day and from all over it might be better to streamline: kind of grey. This Punjabi snack diligently scraped the slop to the done somewhat reluctantly. the world. cook one cuisine with flair rather is normally served spicy, but here side of the plate. CC However, this multicuisine than many with mediocrity. was bland, and the topping of a We’re suckers for ‘specials’ approach is often deeply And that, unfortunately, is whole, solitary cashew seemed and the ambiguity their name How to get there: head left from problematic. While the intent to Helena’s downfall. We started with insufficient. generates. The Helena’s Special the main, supermarket-laden please crowds from all corners of the Hariyali kabab (Rs 200), which, We had better luck with our (non-veg), Rs 400, gave us so junction in central Thamel. the planet seems admirable and rather than dazzlingly green with second Punjabi offering, daal few clues, we just had to try it. Helena’s Restaurant is on the left, smart, one has to wonder whether fresh mint and coriander, was, well, makhni (Rs 260), which for me What arrived was hard to place, opposite Pilgrim’s Book House. 14 6 - 12 DECEMBER 2013 #684

GIZMO by YANTRICK IT’S OFFICIAL: US President Barack Obama signs the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law during a ceremony at the White House on March 2010. The black pearls

o make high-end phones more affordable, Colors Mobile has healthcare and yet it lags far recently delivered two variants of its Pearl Black devices, the behind in delivering quality and K1 and K2, both of which boast impressive specs. Encased in affordable care to its average T classy matte black bodies to complement their beautiful ‘One Glass citizen. System’ screens, the Pearl Black phones certainly look the part, but The successful implementation can the same be said about their performances? of the Affordable Care Act will Measuring just 6.85mm thick, the K1 sports a 4.8 inch AMOLED not only revolutionise healthcare screen that packs in screen resolution of 1280x720 pixels, which in the US, but will be one of equates to an impressive 306 pixels per inch (PPI). The K2, on the most defining moments of the other hand, is slightly bulkier at 7.70mm. However, the extra Barack Obama’s presidency. Some thickness is forgivable, given the stunning full HD (1920x1080 analysts believe that if Obama is pixels), five inch IPS screen, which equates to a Samsung Galaxy S4 able to achieve this feat, it could MANDEL NGAN/AFP and Sony Xperia Z1-matching 441ppi screen. even overshadow the fact that Both the K1 and K2 are equipped with the same 1.5 Ghz he is the first black president of Quadcore processor and ship with 2GB of RAM, which again the country. Earlier healthcare compares favourably with hot-in-the-market devices like the Galaxy bills in the US such as Medicaid S4 and the Xperia Z1. The beautiful screens, the fast processors, Bringing and Medicare (which only focus and the 2GB RAMs combine to make devices capable of delivering exclusively on certain groups such graphics and memory-intensive videos, games, music, multi- as the elderly) also underwent tasking, applications, etc with ease, all of which look amazing, many tumultuous debates before especially on the K2. Obamacare they became law. Hopefully, Flagship phone camera resolution is currently expected at Obamacare will follow a similar the eight mega pixels (mp) mark and the K1 follows that to a ‘T.’ pattern. Equipped with a 5mp front camera and a 8mp back camera with Nepal, like the US, needs a to Nepal flash, the K1 is capable of taking decent pictures and is also capable universal healthcare insurance of recording high-definition videos. The K2, in contrast, although policy. Every day, across hospitals fitted with the same 5mp front camera, boasts a 13mp back camera in the country, there are tragic he healthcare needs of the health issues for the 30 million (same as the S4), which allows for vivid and detailed pictures and full stories of people losing their loved US and Nepal are rarely plus uninsured Americans. HD video recordings. Both the Pearl Black phones are also stocked ones through illnesses like heart Tspoken about in the same The main goals of PPACA were with industry-norm features and functions like light, proximity, and breath. But where health insurance to improve the quality and attack, kidney failure, head injury, G sensors, Gyroscopes, E-compasses, Bluetooth, is concerned, both countries find affordability of health insurance and cancer. Even when trained GPS, WiFi, and backed up themselves in the same boat. and reduce the uninsured rate and experienced healthcare by satisfactory Around 30 million Americans are by expanding public and private professionals and state-of-the art batteries. not covered. Similarly, out of 27 insurance coverage. In order to facilities are available, the cost of The million Nepalis, hardly anyone has be successful, the act required treatment is beyond the reach of comparatively tremendous political will by common citizens. Often, families low storage, with both the Democrats and the are forced to sell land and jewelry the K1 limited to Republicans. just to pay the hospital bills. 16GB and the K2 However, much like our When the 601 newly elected DHANVANTARI limited to 32GB, is a own polity, the US Congress lawmakers sit down to write a Buddha Basnyat, MD major let down and is fraught with clannish and new constitution for Nepal, it the option to expand partisan behaviour and members would be ideal if they could draft storage via MicroSD slots health insurance. as well as the general public a universal healthcare insurance would have been nice. While patients with critical remain deeply divided over the law into this all important Still the Pearl Blacks are illness or those involved in serious Affordable Care Act. A group of document. Of course, this is easier excellent devices and priced accidents receive emergency care politicians has even gone as far as said than done. The debacle over at Rs 30,000 and even without insurance, for long- saying it will block Obamacare at Obamacare in the US shows just Rs 38,000 respectively, they are term ailments like cancer, heart any cost. Glitches in the computer how challenging an attempt at very gentle on your wallet. disease, and other chronic care system when Americans tried to universal health coverage is. situations, proper insurance is enrol in the program, certainly The good news is that the Yantrick’s verdict: if you are mandatory in the US. An uninsured did not help the current government and health ministry looking for smartphones that look American in this sense is no administration. are moving forward in the right and act the part at half the price different from a common Nepali To outside observers and direction. If our political leaders of their competitors, then Colors patient. well-wishers of the US, the are able to ensure good quality, Mobile’s Pearl Black series is the way Introduced in 2010, the Patient implementation of this bill looks affordable healthcare for all to go. Protection and Affordable Care like a no brainer. In comparison Nepalis, whether rich or poor, Act (PPACA) or ‘Obamacare’ was to other developed countries, they will be remembered for primarily an attempt to address America spends the most on generations. 6 - 12 DECEMBER 2013 #684 NATION15

NOT ENOUGH: NGOs walked out of the UN Climate Talks in Warsaw last month to protest the lack of Going clean ambition and slow progress at the epal’s per capita carbon foot print negotiations. Nis less than 1 ton per person per year, one of the lowest in the world. In comparison, the US is 17 tons/ or villages vulnerable to flash person/year and Qatar is 55 tons/ floods caused by glacial lakes person/year. Whatever Nepal does in the Himalaya which ‘burst’ is not going to reduce global because of glaciers melting. They warming. But we need to switch to renewables, not just to do our bit have no option but to adapt with to save the planet, but to save our their own meagre resources. economy. Nepal now imports Rs 93 Most developing countries billion worth of petroleum products were disappointed with the level a year from India, more than its total of compromise they had to agree commodity exports of Rs 74 billion. to in the last few hours and said This import is increasing due to that they had at least wanted to demand for diesel for generators, see a commitment from the rich which make up for the shortfall in UNFCCC nations on emission targets. “We electricity. An estimated 550MW are disappointed because despite of captive power is generated from compromises, the meeting failed private generators. Nepal needs to go green not to save the planet, but to address long-term finance for to save itself. Climactic change adaptation,” Nepal’s Prakash Mathema who chairs the Least Developing Countries at the UN The recent global climate conference delivered Climate Conference told Nepali precedence over ecology. Times. “Without a mid-term Nepal, like delegations just enough to keep the process moving pathway, it will be difficult to from other developing nations, see how the promised $20 billion argued that it cannot sacrifice BHRIKUTI RAI in WARSAW climate-related loss and damage. help them adapt to the impacts will be managed starting from economic growth to save All they could muster was a of climate change. In 2009 2020.” the global environment and vaguely-worded assurance to in Copenhagen, developed Although all countries demanded compensation to hen delegates arrived ‘look into the mechanisms’ for nations had promised to raise for the first time agreed to adapt to the impacts of climate in the Polish capital compensation. The last-minute $100 billion a year after 2020 make contributions in cutting change. Increasingly, however, Wlast month for talks to wording, hammered out after a from $10 billion a year in 2010- greenhouse gas emissions to that is looking like an excuse revive international negotiations marathon 30-hour sitting, saved 12, but did not set targets for prevent temperature rising above to not address pollution in on limiting carbon emissions the climate talks from complete 2013-19. the 2°C average, developed its own backyard that may be to control global warming, collapse and just about kept the This time, industrialised countries like Japan backtracked contributing to the melting of news was coming in of a process alive. countries could only muster from their carbon goals the Himalaya. devastating super-typhoon in Known by the officious- $100 million for a climate for 2020 because of the Emerging economies the Philippines. sounding 19th Conference of adaptation fund that has almost shutdown of nuclear power like China and India have The apocalyptic Typhoon Parties (COP) of the United dried up. That is bad news for plants after Fukushima and overtaken the rich countries in Haiyan focused everyone’s Nations Framework Convention coastal populations like the Australia scrapped its carbon tax. total greenhouse gas emissions mind on what the on Climate ones which were hit by Haiyan, Economics seems to have taken and Nepal’s dependence on future has in store Change (UNFCCC), fossil fuel is also increasing at as the world warms. the meeting failed an alarming rate (see above box). Industrialised to come up with the Emissions cuts from wealthy countries and emission reduction Future forests nations alone aren’t going to be newly-emerging MOUNTAIN DAY commitments fter 20 years of negotiations, an agreement was finally hammered out enough to keep global averages economies pump necessary to keep Ain Warsaw to reward countries that prevent the destruction of their forests. within limits. carbon into the global temperatures Countries that have satellite monitoring and can show they protect the rights The Warsaw meeting atmosphere, which 11. 12. 13 from rising beyond of forest peoples and biological diversity can now draw from climate funds for partially succeeded in laying is spawning ever an average 2°C by carbon they haven’t pumped into the atmosphere. the foundation for a legally more devastating 2050, considered by Deforestation eliminates carbon sinks and increases the concentration of binding agreement for the next storms. Yet it is the many scientists as carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. The agreement called REDD+ (Reducing conference in Paris in 2015 to poorest in the poor countries the tipping point beyond which Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) is backed by pledges of $280 limit greenhouse gas emissions. million from the US, UK, and Norway and compensates countries that lose who suffer and die. climate warming will go out of There is still a feeble hope, but revenue from not exploiting their forests. ‘Climate justice’ was the control. A quarter of all forests in Nepal are managed and protected by over 17,000 it was clear in Warsaw that the theme in Warsaw, yet even the The Warsaw summit had community forest user groups and REDD+ pilot projects have been conducted in world is running out of time. been dubbed the ‘finance COP’ most heart-rending images of Dolakha, Gorkha, and Chitwan. The government is preparing a REDD+ strategy nepalitimes.com death and destruction on Leyte because it was expected that which is expected to outline how Nepal can benefi t from this scheme. But in the Island was not enough to make its delegates would agree on absence of adequate verifi cation mechanisms, it may be some time yet before The right climate for change, #582 the rich countries compromise a strategy to channel money user groups get cash in hand from the climate fund. Defrosted, #479 on a clause on paying for from rich to poor countries to Climate conference AMA DABLAM (6,856 M)

NARE GLACIAL LAKE OUTBURST, 1977

IMJA KHOLA DINGBOCHE

Living through the Himalayan thaw

lobal warming is causing the Climate+Change exhibition to mark pictures of images taken in the 1950s. There billions of people in Asia, so this exhibition Himalayan mountains to melt ICIMOD’s 30th anniversary and to make are stunning images of the mountains, will be a great opportunity for everyone Gat an accelerated rate. Melting the Nepali public aware of the effects of glaciers, snowfields, lakes, and moraines. to learn about the state of mountains glaciers and receding snowlines are the climate change on the mountains. The Art The exhibition explores the many facets and glaciers,” says Joseph Shea glacier most dramatic visible proof of increasing Council venue has enormous panoramic and drivers of change in mountains, hydrologist at ICIMOD. The exhibition will temperature and they are happening photographs of Mt Everest, Khumbu including the accelerated melting of be especially useful for educational tours before our eyes within a generation. Many Glacier, Cho Oyu that are nearly two glaciers because of the deposition of soot for Nepal’s schools and colleges. glaciers have turned into lakes and there stories high. They depict dramatic loss of particles from pollution. There are also Climate+Change are melt pools where there were once ice cover, the retreat of glaciers is starkly profiles of mountain dwellers and those Nepal Art Council Babar Mahal snowfields. visible. downstream who are responding to new 11 December 2013 - April 2014. The Kathmandu-based International The exhibition will be on for five challenges. nepalitimes.com Centre for Integrated Mountain months and also has before and after “Mountains are water towers for Development (ICIMOD) and GlacierWorks Meltdown, #217 Climbing in climate change, #657 have come together to organise the PEOPLE IN CHANGE

DAWA STEVEN SHERPA PASANG DOLMA SHERPA Khumjung, Entrepreneur and mountaineer Pangboche, Yak herder

What Dawa Steven Sherpa saw while climbing Everest became the inspiration behind Pasang Dolma’s brother-in-law sold his share of land and pastures to start a Eco Everest, an annual expedition to clean up the mess left behind by previous business in Kathmandu. Her husband has climbed Everest four times, but after climbers. The son of a Sherpa father and a Belgian mother, Dawa likes to say: “I don’t each mountaineering season, he lives with their family’s yak herd in remote want the melting snow from the land of my father to drown the land of my mother.” pastures. Pasang Dolma is spending her fi rst year with the herd. He says the people of the Khumbu live in constant fear of glacial lake fl oods. His She has heard of the Imja Lake upstream. “If Imja bursts, it will be during the message to the industrialised nations is: “You created the problem, provide us with monsoon, but we won’t be here then,” she says matter-of-factly. “No, I am not guidance and assistance needed to fi nd a solution.” scared.”

PICS: NAYANTARA GURUNG KAKSHAPATI

CHANGE OF STATE: The East Rongbuk glacier near Mount Everest in 1921 and again in 2008. Global warming is causing the Himalayan permafrost to melt at an accelerated rate. CHOLA TSHO

PHERICHE

GLACIERWORKS Working for glaciers

DAVID BREASHEARS

n October 2007, I travelled to the north side of Mt Everest Icarrying with me a black and white photograph taken in 1921 (pic, below) by the renowned British mountaineer, George L Mallory. It showed the ice-encrusted north face of Everest and the Main Rongbuk Glacier, flowing in a sweeping S-shaped curve down a steep-walled valley. I placed my camera at the exact spot where Mallory had snapped his iconic picture and was stunned by the changes that had swept over the landscape. Parts of the glacier had melted vertically by almost 100 metres and large lakes covered its lower section. At that moment, I grasped the magnitude of the devastation to Everest’s glaciers MOUNTAIN DAY In 1985, the Dig Tsho glacial lake near Thame burst Nare glacial lake located below the southern slope of Mt and the fl ood down the Dudh Kosi killed Ama Dablam. In 1977, the moraine holding the lake failed and 11. 12. 13 12 people and destroyed bridges, trails, and the caused severe erosion to the downstream area. $1.5 million hydropower plant in Namche Bajar.

DAVID BREASHEARS/GLACIERWORKS and decided to document the effects of climate change on the Himalayan landscape with comparative and high-resolution

E.O. WHEELER/ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY photography. When viewing the pairs of past and present images in the Climate+Change exhibit one can easily see the changes to the glaciers and those changes have a story: “What happened? What caused it? And, most importantly, what will the future look like?” This story is explained with science, research, and data. It is my hope that visitors to the Climate+Change exhibit will leave having learned more about their world and the science behind it. And from this newfound knowledge, a few will seek the education and careers empowering them to develop and influence future policies and solutions to mitigate the consequences of living on a warmer planet.

David Breashears is an American climber and film maker who has been raising awareness on the consequences of climate change in the Himalaya. For interview with Breashears, see Nepali Times #657. DAVID BREASHEARS/GLACIERWORKS 18 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 6 - 12 DECEMBER 2013 #684

Consensus first, Why change the guard? two-thirds second Santosh Acharya, Nepal, 1 December Second-placed UML knows it doesn’t have the political stature or legal backing to head the next government. And since the Interviews with NC President Sushil we asked the people to give us a two- constitution within a year. If there are party has privately ceded Singha Darbar to the Nepali Congress, Koirala and UML leader Madhav thirds majority. We are the largest party disagreements, we can talk about them its leaders Jhalanath Khanal, Madhav Kumar Nepal, and KP Kumar Nepal, Himal Khabarpatrika, in the CA, but don’t have a majority. on the CA fl oor. Oli seem to be eyeing Shital Niwas. According to them, if the 1 December We can’t go around changing the MKN: We’ve agreed on about NC is allowed to keep both offices, it will violate the principle constitution after the results. 80 to 85 per cent of the material. MKN: We must look for consensus, Federalism and form of governance of separation of powers. The UML is also claiming that the Election results but cannot amend the constitution. are the biggest issues that need to be mandate of 19 November elections merits change from the Sushil Koirala: Because of the failure Changing the constitution at this resolved. I believe we can come to top. of the last Constituent Assembly, point would be like tying ourselves in an understanding within two or three Not surprisingly, the office of the president people thought only a Nepali Congress chains. The NC and UML must not be rounds of talks. is now being dragged into power-sharing victory would guarantee a democratic egotistical, while other parties need to negotiations. But while the gates of Baluwatar constitution, which would in turn bring look beyond their narrow self-interests. Issues raised by the RPP-N have opened up for Sushil Koirala, peace, stability, and development in SK: We became a federal republic state presidential hopefuls from the UML should the country. President, prime minister, CA fi ve years ago when our late chairman not get too excited. Madhav Kumar Nepal: The results speaker Girija Prasad Koirala agreed to it. We Article 36 of the interim constitution were expected, even natural. Everyone SK: We want to emphasise the rule cannot go back now. stipulates that the president can stay predicted that the UCPN (M) would fall of law. Whatever is written in the MKN: We must respect the faith behind because it had lost the trust of constitution must be the basis for future that Nepalis have shown in us. In in power until a new constitution is common Nepalis after it failed to write governance. The interim constitution principle, the state must not have an drafted. The Congress is using this the constitution. Instead, people chose says the president can stay in offi ce offi cial religion and must treat every clause to negate the UML’s claim to the UML’s agenda of multi-identity until a constitution is drafted, which is religion as the same. It’s the same with presidency. If President Ram Baran federalism, ethnic harmony, and why all this talk about amending the social structure. We cannot regress Yadav does not resign of his own nationalism. constitution for the sake of agreement to untouchability, segregation, and accord, the Constituent Assembly is unacceptable. discrimination. can only remove him by accusing Formation of a new government MKN: Both parties must come to a him, through a bill, of grave SK: I don’t want to go into details package agreement, primarily on Local elections wrongdoing. For this, the UML about forming a new government power-sharing for the posts of the SK: Our fi rst priority is the constitution. will require a two-thirds majority. because the mandate is clear. When president, PM, speaker of the house, But Nepal has not had local But since smaller parties don’t the Maoists were the biggest party in and deputy speaker. Is the Nepali representatives for a long time and it remains one stand much to gain, they are of our major unlikely to support this concerns. move. For his part, Yadav If possible, would like the constitution we will have to be completed under local elections his tenure so that he can leave a three months lasting legacy. after we fi nish the constitution. MKN: We must have local elections within April 2014. I have already talked to the election commission about the matter and the offi cials say it is possible. We must have the fi rst CA, we never objected to their Congress trying to hurry the process? electronic voting so that irregularities leadership. Now, the NC will lead the Has it put any serious thought into can be minimised. Again all this can only next government. how it wants to deal with our party? be brought about through consensus. MKN: The current mandate is for the The NC should be well aware of the UML and NC to cooperate. But that consequences of making us angry. Accommodating the CPN-M does not mean we will sideline the SK: We tried very hard to bring Mohan UCPN (M). Possibilities of becoming the PM Baidya and his party on board for the 19 SK: We are a democratic party. It’s November elections, but they demanded Consensus building our responsibility to decide who will be that we change the government and SK: We must try to get everyone’s the prime minister. Do you think I will postpone the polls. Now, we can’t Basu Kshiti z in Annapurna Post, 30 November input in the CA. For that we will need a insist upon going to Singha Darbar just amend the constitution just to get consensus government. because I am party chairman? I don’t them to participate. Still, we are open MKN: There are a lot of smaller parties want to disrespect rules or democratic to discussions and would like them to and we can’t risk forging the wrong practice. contribute to to the constitution writing QUOTE OF THE WEEK kind of alliance this time. Both the NC MKN: This is not about my personal process.

and UML must remain fl exible in their desires. Whatever the country needs, I MKN: We must make the CPN-M a After a new government is formed, we

consensus seeking. We might have will do. part of the CA, whatever it takes. I “ have no other option than to protect to accommodate the Baidya Maoists have repeatedly told CP Gajurel that national integrity, democracy“ and demand as well as certain issues raised by the Drafting a new constitution before everyone must be ready to compromise the Constituent Assembly be cancelled for the greater good of the country. RPP-N. 2015 through protests. SK: The only contentious points are Amending the constitution to make federalism and model of governance. nepalitimes.com CPN-M Secretary Dev Gurung, consensus government compulsory We can discuss these over the Naya Patrika, 4 December SK: During our election campaign, next six months and then draft the Read complete interview 6 - 12 DECEMBER 2013 #684 19 20 BACK SIDE 6 - 12 DECEMBER 2013 #684 www.nepalitimes.com www.nepalitimes.com

Hon’ble Horrible and Ugly

strologers who correctly The Bracket Baddies are right, all other constituencies except predicted the election there have been massive his own, where he won. Aresults are now doing irregularities during these  such brisk business that elections - by their own appointments are booked candidates. In Siraha, Lila People who have met PKD in into the new year. Nepal’s Nath Shrestha of the UML was the past have always found him soothsayer-in-chief, Dr Fire ahead in 11 polling centres, charming, a good listener, even Juice Agnirash, for example not but vote counting was stopped though they have come to expect just predicted the defeat of the for six hours after PKD lost in him to bend the truth. But the Mau Baddies but also accurately Kathmandu. When it resumed, same people who have met foretold Chairman Awesome’s Awesome mysteriously started him after his defeat have seen defeat in Kirtipur. He is also leading and not a single ballot a different side of him, a leader credited with predicting the in favour of Shrestha was with self-obsessive compulsive victories of Lion Brave and Lord counted in boxes from two disorder. He talks about himself Ram, although I didn’t think remaining centres. There were most of the time, as if the party you’d need an asstrologer for similar goings-on in Gorkha has ceased to exist. And what that, even the Ass could have that declared BRB the winner. seems to bother him most is that predicted it. Emboldened by The NC was also up to tricks: his crony, Sue Margi, has been his spot-on prophecies, Dr Fire in Dhanusha, the president’s secretively driving to meet Jhusil Juice has now said that the son appears to have distributed Da in his blue plated Belarus planetary alignments (which cash by the sackloads and Com consulate car and being taken includes the arrival of Comet Amrace won with his eyes up through the back entrance. Ison) favour Jhusil Da as PM, closed, as it were, in Sarlahi. Commandante Maximus seems but that he will “resign within a  to be less worried about the fate year for health reasons”. of his proletarian revolution and Lion Brave, on the other Before elections, the cash more about his cash stash. hand, is said to be doing the Baddies had sent investigation  rounds of astrophysicists to find teams across the land to take one who will actually predict stock of the party’s chances of You must have heard about he will be PM for the 4th time. victory. The intelligence they Chief Minister Keel Raj on This Fire Juice fellow is good, brought back was so negative election day filling out his pink we should hire him as a weekly that the delegation couldn’t ballot paper and dropping it columnist for this paper as a break the bad news to Chairman in the box. Then he waves and political anal-yst. Pro-Baddie Superman, fearing he might proceeds to walk out of the op-ed analysers are still in behead the messengers of bad booth. Officials run an after him shock, first they said there was tidings. Which is why PKD had to say he also has to stamp the cheating, then they accused no idea what hit him when he blue ballot for the First Past the the Army and India, after that lost in Kirtipore. He should Post. Apparently they said there had been ballot have listened to Comrades Justice Regmi stuffing, and now they have Horrible and Ugly who had told had no idea there started blaming ‘ignorant’ him all along that the party was were two ballots. voters. headed to defeat. Com Top Man  has said there was cheating in The Ass

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